Jordy Mercer

Manager Clint Hurdle stuck with Mercer during a horrendous two-month stretch to open last season, when the shortstop batted below the Mendoza Line (.190/.227/.261) in his first 152 plate appearances. ...

Mercer was at bat with one out in the top of the seventh inning and the score tied 3-3 when a severe thunderstorm soaked Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. After a one hour and 52 minute rain delay, and with more rain in the forecast, the game was suspended.

Opinions are mixed as to whether Mercer can play defense well enough to take over the everyday reins at shortstop in 2014. He lacks range and was often replaced in the late innings last year. Mercer's overall line of .285/.336/.435 in 333 at-bats was boosted tremendously by his ability to crush left-handed pitching. The shortstop hit .410 with a 1.152 OPS against southpaws, albeit in 78 at-bats. Mercer, who has hit as many as 19 homers in the minors, belted eight in 2013 (including seven away from PNC Park's spacious left field). It's quite likely he slips under the fantasy radar heading into 2014, but has upside based upon how much action he sees.

2013

Mercer became a forgotten man at the youthful age of 25 in 2012. He played in 42 games for Pittsburgh but collected only 62 at-bats. He's got pop in his bat -- seven of his 13 hits went for extra bases -- and he's solid in the field. Unfortunately, he'll likely spend another year on the bench or at Triple-A with $5 million-plus starter Clint Barmes on the books one more year. Mercer may never hit better than .250 or so in the majors, but he did hit 19 minor league homers in 2011. For that reason, he's worth keeping an eye on in case Barmes gets hurt or traded.

2012

Mercer combined to slug 19 homers and drive in 69 runs split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2011. The 2008 third-round draft pick doesn't project to hit for average -- he has a career .262 mark in four minor league seasons -- but his power potential and defensive ability give him some play. The free-agent signing of Clint Barmes probably wiped out whatever chance he had of starting 2012 with Pittsburgh. Another solid season in the minors could earn him a recall during the summer. Mercer will turn 26 in August and the clock is ticking. The Pirates have Chase d'Arnaud, Josh Harrison and now Mercer battling for backup time. As a result, there's little reason to jump on him in fantasy leagues.